Blood test, magnesium
Facility: Grisell Memorial Hospital
Billing Code: 83735 (CPT)
- CPT Billing Code: 83735
- Insurance Median: $35
- Cash Discount Price: $58
- vs. Medicare Baseline: 5.22x Medicare
Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.
Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.
Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.
Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare
Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $6.7 as the cost baseline. Rates below the baseline represent excellent value. In-network commercial rates commonly hover around 150% - 250% of Medicare, while rates exceeding 300% are elevated. Hover over the green and blue markers to view detailed calculations.
Elevated Commercial Rate Alert (Value-Gap)
The negotiated rate at this facility is 522% of the Medicare baseline (a markup of 422%). Patients with high-deductible plans or out-of-network benefits may face excessive out-of-pocket costs.
Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator
Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash rate.
Commercial Insurance Negotiated Rates
Negotiated contract ranges established by major commercial carriers at this facility.
| Carrier / Plan Group | Contract Rate Range | vs. Medicare Reference |
|---|---|---|
| UnitedHealthcare | $4 - $46 | 60% |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield | $24 | 358% |
| Medicaid / KanCare | $61 | 910% |
| Humana | $61 | 910% |
Consumer Guidance & Cost Commentary
For the blood test for magnesium at Grisell Memorial Hospital in Ransom, Kansas, the facility's cash median price is $58.00, which is slightly lower than the state average of $58.00. While the hospital's negotiated rates with major payers like UnitedHealthcare and Blue Cross Blue Shield range from $4 to $61, these amounts are often higher than the cash price due to administrative costs and contract structures. Patients with high-deductible plans or those without insurance may find paying the cash median of $58.00 more cost-effective than relying on insurance, as the negotiated allowed amounts can sometimes exceed the cash rate. It is advisable to contact the hospital directly to confirm if "self-pay" or "prompt-pay" discounts are available, as these upfront payment incentives can further reduce the final bill.
This service is billed under CPT code 83735, and the facility's Medicare benchmark amount is $6.70, which serves as a reliable baseline for evaluating pricing fairness. The median amount paid by insurers is $53.00, while the gross chargemaster rate is $61.00; however, comparing these figures to the Medicare rate reveals that the commercial negotiated rates are significantly higher than the federal government's cost-based standard. Because over 80% of hospital bills contain errors, patients should request a detailed, itemized statement to verify that no services were unbundled or double-charged before agreeing to any payment plan. If a balance bill or unexpected charge arises, consumers should dispute it in writing rather than paying immediately, as federal protections like the No Surprises Act may apply depending on the specific circumstances of the care received